Paul McCartney Postpones Second Tokyo Show

Illness has once again forced Paul McCartney to delay the start of his tour of Japan. The rock legend has now postponed the show planned for tonight (May 18) at the National Stadium in Tokyo.

McCartney had originally rescheduled his Saturday show for this Monday in anticipation of being better by tonight, but he has been forced to change those plans. In a message posted in both English and Japanese to his website and Facebook page, McCartney explains that the decision was not his, and that they will try to make up the dates as soon as possible.

Tokyo National Stadium shows to be postponed 18th & 19th May

Doctors have ordered Paul complete rest and he has been doing all he can to get better. Paul has only ever had to reschedule a handful of shows in his entire career and is so upset about this situation, he hates to let people down. This morning he told his staff he was going to try and perform tonight against doctors orders, but his team, along with the doctors, wouldn't allow it. He has been very moved by the fan's reactions and messages of love and support he has received in Japan.

Paul has instructed his team to look at rescheduling options.

Message from Paul:

"Thank you so much for your kind messages of support. I’m so very touched. Unfortunately my condition has not improved overnight. I was really hoping that I'd be feeling better today. I'm so disappointed and sorry to be letting my fans down.

Love,

Paul"

Japan has not been the luckiest place for McCartney. During the Beatles' 1966 tour, there were protests because they performed at the Budokan, a hall originally built for martial arts. In 1980, he was arrested at Narita International Airport for bringing half a pound of marijuana into the country, for which he spent nine days in jail. Five years earlier he had been denied a visa to enter Japan due to his assorted drug busts.